Fitness Professional Track

The fitness professional track prepares you to work in the field after graduation. Many fitness professional majors work as personal trainers, group exercise instructors, strength and conditioning coaches and health club staff.

Major Requirements

Exercise science majors at Wingate earn a BS . Students may also minor in exercise science. 

Fitness Professional Four-Year Plan

The Four Year Academic Plans are standard templates for how a degree can be completed in eight (8) consecutive Fall & Spring semesters.  There is varying flexibility in the exact course sequence depending upon individual student circumstances, major curriculum and course availability.  Students should consult with their Faculty Advisor for course sequencing, degree planning and other considerations.  Students are ultimately responsible for their degree planning.

Professional Internships

All exercise science majors undertake a professional internship, usually in the summer between their junior and senior year. Internship possibilities include fitness clubs, strength and conditioning at a local university or with a professional sports team, and cardiac rehabilitation at a local hospital.

Career Possibilities

A degree in exercise science on the pre-professional track will allow you to pursue a master’s degree if you are interested in exercise physiology, health promotion, physician assistant, physical therapy or pharmacy.

Strength and conditioning coaches at the college and professional level are often required to have a master’s degree and CSCS certification through NSCA. Many fitness industry management positions, such as director of a fitness club or supervising a group of personal trainers, also require an advanced degree.

Check out The School of Sport Sciences Leadership Academy